Museums Challenge Each Other to Show their Creepiest Object

The Yorkshire MuseumOpens in a new tab recently challenged curators from other museums all over the world to contribute to the hashtag #CuratorBattle, trying to outdo each other when it comes to certain items in their collections. But their most recent challenge was the best yet, as they decided to one-up each other with #CreepiestObject. And no creepy object from the likes of Scooby-DooOpens in a new tab or BuffyOpens in a new tab has got anything on any of these real life ones!

The Yorkshire started things off with this tangled and gross millennia-old hair bun from from Rome. It is it just me, or does that look like a Tribble from Star TrekOpens in a new tab?

Someone spotted this Japanese merman from the Horniman museum in London, and we suggest that James Wan make a movie about itOpens in a new tab immediately.

And speaking of James Wan movies, I think someone discovered the whereabouts of the real life AnnabelleOpens in a new tab.

Even more evil-looking dolls! This one is surely cursed. Just look at her! Or better yet, maybe don’t.

Well here she is, quite a treat for her, she doesn’t get out much. For good reason. Continental shell doll, c1860s. #CreepiestObjectOpens in a new tab It’s the carved teeth…. #CURATORBATTLEOpens in a new tab pic.twitter.com/3ykFNZOr8ROpens in a new tab

— Shell Grotto (@shellgrotto) April 17, 2020Opens in a new tab

There are almost nothing more disturbing that a plague mask from the 17th century.

Thanks for thinking of us @HottyCoutureOpens in a new tab and wow, will we be having nightmares tonight with all these #CreepiestObjectOpens in a new tab|s ! Here is the one we just can’t hide from you, one of our many creepy gems – our Plague Mask (1650/1750)! #curatorbattleOpens in a new tab pic.twitter.com/JrMjqAJSIMOpens in a new tab

— Deutsches Historisches Museum (@DHMBerlin) April 17, 2020Opens in a new tab

Someone alert Tim BurtonOpens in a new tab, because these pin cushions could have a whole movie made about them. It would be right up his alley.

@RedHeadedAliOpens in a new tab how can we ignore such a call to arms?

This particular item has caused a few nightmares for our followers this week.

Our #CreepiestObjectOpens in a new tab is…this pincushion! Complete with tiny children’s heads. You’re welcome, Twitter.#CURATORBATTLEOpens in a new tab pic.twitter.com/0YdmCE5dYDOpens in a new tab

— Norwich Castle (@NorwichCastle) April 17, 2020Opens in a new tab

Nope, this is not a lost prop from Penny DreadfulOpens in a new tab; this is an actual heart with pins and needles stuck in it to break evil spells.

Sheep’s heart stuck with pins and nails and strung on a loop of cord. Made in South Devon, circa 1911, “for breaking evil spells”, @Pitt_RiversOpens in a new tab collections #CreepiestObjectOpens in a new tab #CuratorBattleOpens in a new tab pic.twitter.com/z5vdCFCU4SOpens in a new tab

— Dan Hicks (@profdanhicks) April 17, 2020Opens in a new tab

Let us not forget, paintings can be creepy as heck too. This one feels like it belongs in the gallery at the Haunted MansionOpens in a new tab!

#CURATORBATTLEOpens in a new tab: Asked colleagues & this painting was unanimously chosen. My aunt reels at the sight of it. This painting is often met with hushed tones and nervous laughter… #creepybabyOpens in a new tab #creepyOpens in a new tab @DaytonArtOpens in a new tab pic.twitter.com/vTL3pUiytFOpens in a new tab

— Katherine Siegwarth (@KatieSiggy) April 17, 2020Opens in a new tab

While I am sure each of these eyes has a story, I am not sure I want to hear them before bedtime.

And I think it goes without saying that taxidermy is pretty much always creepy. But this one right here takes the cake.

I give you our taxidermy wild cat! A favourite of the museum team due to its bad taxidermy and creepy ‘electrified’ look on its face! #CreepiestObjectOpens in a new tab pic.twitter.com/L6BpxVgkhTOpens in a new tab

— Maidstone Museum (@MaidstoneMuseum) April 17, 2020Opens in a new tab

I am not sure which of these qualifies as the creepiest, but I can safely say I am perfectly okay with never seeing any of this in real life ever. Museums of the world, keep it!

Featured Image: Egham Museum